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COLD WEATHER HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Kenosha – January 15, 2009 - As temperatures drop and wind chill advisories are in effect, the Kenosha County Division of Health is issuing tips for keeping warm and safe during extreme weather.
Serious health problems can result from prolonged exposure to the cold. The most common cold-related problems are hypothermia and frostbite.
HYPOTHERMIA When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster
than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored
energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.
Warning signs of hypothermia:
Adults:
shivering, exhaustion
confusion
memory loss, slurred speech
drowsiness
Infants:
bright red, cold skin
very low energy
What to Do
If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°, the situation
is an emergency—get medical attention immediately.
FROSTBITE
Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling
and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes.
Frostbite can permanently damage the body. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with
reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold
temperatures.
Recognizing Frostbite
At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed
skin—frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:
a white or grayish-yellow skin are
skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
numbness
A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen
tissues are numb.
What to Do
If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. Because frostbite and hypothermia
both result from exposure, first determine whether the victim also shows signs of
hypothermia, as described previously. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and
requires emergency medical assistance.
TAKING PREVENTIVE ACTION Have furnaces checked annually for efficient and safe
operation before the heating season arrives. Check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors.
Monitor the rooms where infants sleep or spend periods of time. When spending time
outdoors, adults and children should dress warmly and stay dry. Layer clothing, preferably
wind resistant, to reduce loss of body-heat caused by the wind. Tell relatives and friends where
you are going and when you expect to return. Do not ignore shivering. It's an important first
sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
TIPS TO SURVIVE THE COLD:
1. Go outdoors only when necessary. Make trips outside as brief as possible.
2. Dress warmly and stay dry.
Adults and children should wear:
a hat
a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
sleeves that are snug at the wrist
mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
water-resistant coat and boots
several layers of loose-fitting clothing
3. Avoid alcohol. Alcoholic beverages interfere with circulation and impair judgment.
4. Eat well. Good nutrition helps keep body warm.
For additional information on cold-related health and safety, visit the Department of Health
Services website at
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/InjuryPrevention/WeatherRelated/WinterCold/index.htm
- END -
Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Are you prepared for the weather emergencies that affect Kenosha County every year – floods, tornadoes, snowstorms, and ice storms? Do you have a home emergency supply kit? Have you thought about how pandemic influenza will affect you and your family? Public health plays an important role in community emergency preparedness, and you play an important role in preparing your family for any emergency that strikes.
As a partner with Kenosha County Emergency Management, law enforcement, fire/EMS, and local hospitals, the Kenosha County Division of Health is prepared to respond to any emergency that requires the assistance of our nurses, sanitarians, laboratory technicians, and public health support staff. In the event of a communicable disease outbreak or influenza pandemic, the Kenosha County Division of Health is prepared to establish mass clinics to immunize or medicate the entire population of Kenosha County. You must also be prepared to respond at home with emergency supplies of food, water, and medication; emergency weather/all hazards radios; and, other supplies that will sustain you and your family for three days to two weeks.
This webpage provides you with links to other websites that provide all the information you need to prepare for any type of emergency. Contact the Kenosha County Division of Health to help you and your family stay safe, healthy, and prepared!
Prepare Your Family For Any Emergency
www.citizencorps.gov
www.fema.gov/areyouready/
www.ready.gov
Get the Facts About Pandemic Flu